Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jim Corbett National Park
Mains level: Issues with Eco-Tourism
In the news
- The recent Supreme Court ruling on tiger safaris in Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park has ignited discussions on wildlife conservation and tourism development.
- The Court has condemned the unlawful felling of over 6,000 trees for constructing buildings under the guise of eco-tourism.
About Jim Corbett National Park
| Details | |
| Establishment | Established on August 8th, 1936 (originally as Hailey National Park) |
| Location | Uttarakhand State, Nainital region |
| Renaming | Renamed as Ramganga National Park (1954–1955),
Later reverted to Corbett National Park |
| Total Area | 1,318.54 square kilometers (509.09 square miles) |
| Ecological Zones | Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Sonanadi, Durgadevi, Dhela |
| Conservation Programs | Included in Project Tiger (1973);
Part of World Wide Fund for Nature’s Terai Arc Landscape Program |
| Flagship Species | Focus on Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, Great One-horned rhino |
| Geographical Features | Ridges, streams, plateaus, ravines, grasslands, deciduous woods, pine forests |
| Importance | Designated as Important Bird Area by Birdlife International;
Key role in wildlife conservation efforts |
Court’s Decision on Jim Corbett NP
- Petition against Captive Animal Holding: The Supreme Court addressed a petition opposing captive animal holding in the national park.
- Permitted Tiger Safaris: The Court allowed the establishment of tiger safaris in peripheral and buffer zones with specified conditions.
- Balancing Tourism and Ecosystem Preservation: The Court aimed to maintain a delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving sensitive ecosystems within Jim Corbett National Park.
Impact of Tourism on Locals & Wildlife
- Tourism as a Livelihood: Locals rely on tourism for income, with transportation, tourist safaris, food centers, and accommodation facilities contributing significantly.
- Infrastructure and Conservation: Tourism infrastructure obstructs wildlife corridors, impacting conservation efforts. The phasing out of Dhikala tourism complex is deemed necessary to comply with legal requirements.
- Animal-Centric Approach: The Supreme Court emphasizes an animal-centric approach over tourist-centric policies to ensure conservation in national parks.
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